Oregon is an incredibly beautiful state that’s immensely varied and diverse. Mountains, vineyards, desert, temperate rainforests, beaches, alpine lakes … the Beaver State has it all. And while the aforementioned regions are often what comes to mind when most people think of Oregon, the state has strong rural roots, too. While you can visit some impossibly charming rural towns in eastern Oregon, there’s some beautiful countryside just outside Portland that’s worth exploring, too. Enter: the following rural road trip that leads to some of the best hidden gems in Oregon.

This road trip through rural Oregon passes six points of interest along its 76-mile route. Start to finish, the trip clocks in at just two hours, making it ideal for an easy day trip adventure.
Google Maps
First up, a beautiful flower farm in Oregon that’s like something from a dream. A family-owned and operated business for nearly a century, Swan Island Dahlias is the largest dahlia grower in the U.S.
Swan Island Dahlias, 995 NW 22nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013, USA
Swan Island Dahlias/Facebook
Each year, the farm's 40 acres shine bright with the bold orange, bright pink, and golden yellow hues of thousands and thousands of dazzling dahlias. The bloom's peak coincides with the annual Dahlia Festival, which typically takes place the last week in August and first week in September. It's a perennial favorite, and a must-visit festival in the Beaver State!
Heading south, there's a beguiling covered bridge hiding in the Oregon countryside.
Gallon House Bridge, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Katr67/Wikipedia
Built in 1916, this bridge is the second oldest in the state, and the oldest in Marion County. Gallon House Bridge is a Howard Truss-style bridge, similar to many other Oregon covered bridges, and it spans 84 feet. The bridge is quaint and charming, but what really makes it interesting is its unique history and ties to Prohibition!
An architectural marvel nestled in Garden City, the Gordon House is a must-visit for fans of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright, 869 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Andrew Parodi/Wikipedia
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Gordon House in 1957, based on his earlier 1938 design for Life Magazine. It was completed several years after his death, in 1963. Throughout the Gordon House, Frank Lloyd Wright's distinctive fretwork design abounds. These perforated, wood screens filter the light and add an interesting design element to the Silverton home.

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After all that exploring, it's time to grab a bite to eat at one of the most charming little general stores in Oregon: Clarkes.
Clarkes General Store & Eatery, 25760 S Beavercreek Rd, Beavercreek, OR 97004, USA
Clarkes General Store
The building is nearly a century old, and the inside truly feels like a step back in time.
Well-stocked with grocery items and necessities, there's also a restaurant here that's known for serving up some to-die-for burgers.
Clarkes General Store
The Cowboy Burger and Mushroom Burger are both delicious, as is the Patty Melt. Perfect road trip fuel, we say!
A castle in the Oregon countryside? Yes! And not just any castle; a beautiful vineyard that's a veritable wine kingdom.
Villa Catalana Cellars, 11900 S Criteser Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA
Villa Catalana Cellars
Villa Catalana Cellars is a small winery that produces less than 500 cases a year. The winery hosts private events and public tastings throughout the year, so be sure to check out the Villa Catalana Cellars Facebook page if you'd like to do more than admire this winery from a distance!
As we circle back to the starting point of this rural road trip through Oregon, we're heading to one of the most enchanting farms around.
Frog Pond Farm & Dairy, 6071 Elk Rd, Canfield, OH 44406, USA
Frog Pond Farm, 2995 SW Advance Rd, Wilsonville, OR 97070, USA
Frog Pond Farm/Facebook
Frog Pond Farm is a family-run establishment that welcomes guests for year-round fun on the farm.
Open year-round for seasonal celebrations, during the summer, guests are invited to come for a Walk About on the farm; a self-guided tour with the opportunity to meet some of the farm's 80 curious and captivating creatures.
Frog Pond Farm/Facebook
Llamas, bunnies, guinea pigs, and camels, you'll find the most delightful cast of characters at this charming farm, and we can't think of a better way to end our countryside road trip through Oregon.

Did you know about these hidden gems in Oregon … or that such bucolic beauty was just a stone’s throw from Portland? There’s so much to explore here in the Beaver State, and this rural road trip is just the beginning of the epic road trip adventures in Oregon that await.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Oregon? Are any included on the above road trip itinerary? Let us know in the comments. And, if you do plan this road trip make sure you are prepared with the right gear and the most delicious car-friendly snacks.

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More to Explore

Oregon Hidden Gems

Courtnie Erickson | December 12, 2023

What are some of the best things to do in Oregon?

Oh, it is impossible to determine the best things to do in Oregon. There are so many incredible attractions and activities all over the state. You can spend time along the coast, at one of the many state parks, or even in the heart of a city. When you are searching for some of the best things to add to your bucket list, consider the following:

 

For even more unique places in Oregon to visit, check out our collection of articles.

What are some other hidden gems in Oregon I should add to my bucket list?

There is nothing quite like Oregon's hidden gems. All over the state, you will find incredible destinations that are sure to take your breath away. From outdoor havens to city attractions, there is something for everyone and every interest. Some of the best hidden gems in Oregon to consider checking out include:

  • Cobble Beach, Newport
  • Neahkahnie Mountain
  • Natural Bridge Cove, Brookings
  • Hobbit Trail, Florence
  • Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay

 

You can check out several other hidden gems in Oregon in one of our feature articles.

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